Music has a unique ability to capture deep emotions, making it an essential part of honoring and remembering loved ones. The 1960s gave us some of the most iconic and timeless songs, many of which reflect on themes of love, loss, and the beauty of life. Whether you’re looking for comfort, reflection, or a way to celebrate the life of someone who has passed, the music from this era provides a meaningful soundtrack for funerals, memorials, and celebrations of life. In this post, we’ve selected 25 songs from the 1960s, each with its first verse and an explanation of why it’s perfect for paying tribute to a loved one.
See also:
- Songs from the 1940s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 1950s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 1960s suitable for funeral (this post)
- Songs from the 1970s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 1980s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 1990s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 2000s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 2010s suitable for funeral
Songs from the 1960s Suitable for a Funeral
Music has always played an important role in honoring loved ones and expressing the deep emotions that come with grief and loss. The 1960s produced some of the most iconic songs in history, many of which carry themes of love, peace, and reflection—perfect for funerals, memorials, or celebrations of life. In this post, we’ve selected 25 songs from the 1960s, including the first verse of lyrics, along with an explanation of why each song is fitting for paying tribute to someone who has passed away.
1. “The Sound of Silence” – Simon & Garfunkel (1964)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Hello darkness, my old friend,
I’ve come to talk with you again.”
Why it’s suitable:
This haunting song captures the quiet contemplation that often follows a loss, making it ideal for reflecting on a loved one’s life during a funeral or memorial.
2. “Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers (1965)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Oh, my love, my darling
I’ve hungered for your touch.”
Why it’s suitable:
With its heartfelt lyrics about longing and love, this emotional ballad speaks to the deep connections we hold with those we’ve lost.
3. “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong (1967)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I see trees of green, red roses too,
I see them bloom for me and you.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song celebrates the beauty of the world and the joy of life, making it a hopeful and uplifting choice for a celebration of life.
4. “Yesterday” – The Beatles (1965)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away,
Now it looks as though they’re here to stay.”
Why it’s suitable:
“Yesterday” expresses feelings of regret, loss, and longing, which resonates with those mourning a loved one.
5. “Stand by Me” – Ben E. King (1961)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“When the night has come
And the land is dark.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song offers a message of unwavering support and solidarity, making it a comforting choice for remembering someone who stood by you through everything.
6. “My Girl” – The Temptations (1964)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day,
When it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song can serve as a joyful tribute, especially when remembering someone who brought happiness and light into the lives of others.
7. “A Whiter Shade of Pale” – Procol Harum (1967)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“We skipped the light fandango
Turned cartwheels ‘cross the floor.”
Why it’s suitable:
With its ethereal, haunting melody and reflective lyrics, this song lends itself well to moments of quiet contemplation and mourning.
8. “Let It Be Me” – The Everly Brothers (1960)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I bless the day I found you,
I want to stay around you.”
Why it’s suitable:
A song about devotion and lasting love, “Let It Be Me” is a beautiful expression of enduring commitment and affection, even beyond life.
9. “Blowin’ in the Wind” – Bob Dylan (1963)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?”
Why it’s suitable:
This song, with its themes of searching for answers and contemplating life’s big questions, resonates with those reflecting on the meaning of life and loss.
10. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley (1961)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Wise men say
Only fools rush in.”
Why it’s suitable:
A timeless love song, this track is a gentle, heartfelt expression of deep emotional connection and lasting devotion.
11. “Turn! Turn! Turn!” – The Byrds (1965)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“To everything, turn, turn, turn,
There is a season, turn, turn, turn.”
Why it’s suitable:
Based on the biblical book of Ecclesiastes, this song speaks to the natural cycle of life, making it a fitting choice for a funeral or celebration of life.
12. “In My Life” – The Beatles (1965)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed.”
Why it’s suitable:
Reflecting on cherished memories, this song provides a moving tribute to the lasting impact a person has on those they leave behind.
13. “When a Man Loves a Woman” – Percy Sledge (1966)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“When a man loves a woman,
Can’t keep his mind on nothin’ else.”
Why it’s suitable:
This deeply emotional song about devotion is a fitting choice to express the love someone had for their partner, family, or friends.
14. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Simon & Garfunkel (1970)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“When you’re weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song, full of comfort and assurance, resonates deeply with mourners and those seeking solace during tough times.
15. “Moon River” – Andy Williams (1961)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Moon River, wider than a mile,
I’m crossing you in style someday.”
Why it’s suitable:
With its peaceful and reflective nature, “Moon River” provides a calming backdrop for a funeral, symbolizing life’s journey.
16. “People Get Ready” – The Impressions (1965)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“People get ready, there’s a train a-coming.”
Why it’s suitable:
This spiritual and hopeful song speaks to faith, making it a moving choice for those with religious beliefs about the afterlife.
17. “To Love Somebody” – Bee Gees (1967)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“There’s a light
A certain kind of light.”
Why it’s suitable:
This love ballad speaks to the deep and abiding nature of love, making it a meaningful choice for celebrating someone who was cherished.
18. “Both Sides, Now” – Joni Mitchell (1969)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Bows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air.”
Why it’s suitable:
This reflective song about the dualities of life—joy and sorrow, hope and loss—is fitting for contemplating a loved one’s life and legacy.
19. “Goin’ Home” – The Rolling Stones (1966)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Think I’m going back to the things I learned so well in my youth.”
Why it’s suitable:
With its reflective theme of returning home, this song can symbolize someone finding peace in their final rest.
20. “God Only Knows” – The Beach Boys (1966)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I may not always love you,
But long as there are stars above you.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song about eternal love and devotion offers a touching tribute to someone who has left a lasting mark on the hearts of those they loved.
21. “Hey Jude” – The Beatles (1968)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Hey Jude, don’t make it bad,
Take a sad song and make it better.”
Why it’s suitable:
With its message of hope and resilience, “Hey Jude” encourages finding peace and making the best of difficult times.
22. “Yesterday When I Was Young” – Roy Clark (1969)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Seems the love I’ve known has always been
The most destructive kind.”
Why it’s suitable:
A song about reflecting on the past, this track resonates with those who are reminiscing about a life that once was.
23. “I’ll Never Find Another You” – The Seekers (1964)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“There’s a new world somewhere
They call the promised land.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song speaks to the uniqueness of a loved one, making it a heartfelt tribute for a funeral or memorial.
24. “When I’m Sixty-Four” – The Beatles (1967)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“When I get older losing my hair,
Many years from now.”
Why it’s suitable:
This lighthearted yet sentimental song touches on themes of aging and companionship, making it a gentle, uplifting tribute to someone who shared a long, meaningful life.
25. “Angel of the Morning” – Merrilee Rush (1968)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“There’ll be no strings to bind your hands,
Not if my love can’t bind your heart.”
Why it’s suitable:
With its tender, emotional lyrics about love and letting go, this song offers a poignant reflection on parting ways, making it a touching choice for a memorial or funeral service.
These iconic songs from the 1960s each carry powerful messages of love, loss, and reflection, making them perfect for honoring a loved one during a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life. Whether you’re looking for comforting lyrics, a peaceful melody, or a song that celebrates the beauty of life, these tracks from the ’60s can help create a heartfelt and meaningful tribute. Music has the ability to evoke deep emotions, and these timeless classics offer a touching way to remember and honor those who have passed.
